Apex Legends FAQ: Is It Free? Age Rating & Beginner Tips

Anyone who’s jumped into a battle royale lately knows the genre can feel crowded, but Apex Legends pulled off something rare: a surprise launch in February 2019 that drew over 100 million players within two years. This guide breaks down everything parents and new players need—age ratings, free-to-play details, difficulty, lawsuit updates, and how it compares to Fortnite.

Release date: February 4, 2019 · Developer: Respawn Entertainment · Publisher: Electronic Arts · Genre: Battle royale, hero shooter · ESRB rating: Teen (13+) · Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC

Nine key facts define Apex Legends at a glance:

Is Apex basically Fortnite?

It’s the question every parent and new player asks: are these two battle royales interchangeable? The short answer is no—they share a genre but play very differently. Apex Legends is a hero shooter where each character has unique abilities, while Fortnite includes building mechanics that define its core gameplay.

Key differences between Apex Legends and Fortnite

Two battle royales, one clear pattern: Apex rewards tactical squad play and ability timing; Fortnite rewards quick building and solo creativity.

The implication: If you’re looking for a fast-paced, team-focused shooter without the complexity of building, Apex is the better fit. Fortnite leans into creativity and solo play.

Similarities in the battle royale genre

• Both are free-to-play (EA official site)
• Both feature 100-player-ish matches (Apex has 60 players per match, Fortnite has up to 100)
• Both are available on all major platforms with cross-play
• Both have seasonal battle passes and cosmetic microtransactions

Is Apex Legends still free?

Yes, and that hasn’t changed since launch. Electronic Arts has repeatedly stated that Apex Legends will remain free to play.

What does the free-to-play model include?

• Download and play all modes at no cost (Childnet International)
• Access to a rotating roster of Legends (8 base characters, more unlocked via gameplay or currency)
• All maps, modes, and seasonal events

Are there any mandatory purchases?

• No pay-to-win mechanics exist (Polygon, a gaming publication)
• Optional cosmetics (skins, weapon charms) via Apex Coins
• Battle pass ($10 per season) offers cosmetic rewards but no gameplay advantages

Is Apex ok for a 12 year old?

This depends on your tolerance for cartoon violence and unmoderated chat. The game’s rating and content give clear signals.

ESRB rating details

Apex Legends is rated Teen (13+) by the ESRB for “Blood and Violence” (ESRB Ratings, the U.S. rating authority). The PEGI rating is 16 in Europe due to sustained depictions of violence toward human characters (Childnet International).

What parents should know about in-game chat and violence

• Voice chat is unmoderated; players can hear anyone on their squad (Childnet International)
• Violence is stylized (no gore, but blood splatters appear)
• Parental controls on consoles allow chat muting and spending limits

LGBTQ representation in Apex Legends

• Gibraltar is explicitly gay (Wikipedia)
• Bloodhound uses they/them pronouns and is non-binary
• Other characters have diverse backgrounds and relationships

Why is Apex not beginner friendly?

New players often feel overwhelmed—the game has a steep learning curve that’s been widely discussed.

Main challenges for new players

• Advanced movement mechanics (slide-hopping, tap-strafing) take hours to learn (GameSpot, a gaming news site)
• Legend abilities create a complex rock-paper-scissors dynamic
• No aim assist on PC gives controller players a disadvantage
• High skill ceiling means veterans dominate matches

Tips to overcome the learning curve

• Use the Firing Range to test weapons and abilities (Polygon)
• Start with simpler Legends like Bloodhound (tracking abilities) or Gibraltar (shield)
• Play with friends who can coach you
• Watch beginner guides on YouTube (official Apex channel)

Why did Apex get sued?

In 2022, a class-action lawsuit was filed in Canada alleging that Apex Legends is intentionally addictive. The case is ongoing as of 2025.

Overview of the addiction lawsuit

• Filed in Quebec, Canada in 2022 (TorHoerman Law)
• Claims that EA and Respawn used manipulative design: loot boxes, daily challenges, and scarcity tactics
• Plaintiffs seek damages for alleged psychological harm

Why parents are concerned

• The game is free-to-play, lowering the barrier for young players
• Daily challenges encourage frequent logins
• No spending cap exists for optional purchases
• Similar lawsuits have targeted other games (e.g., Fortnite) over addiction (IGN, a gaming publication)

“Apex Legends is free to play and always will be.”

Electronic Arts, official statement (EA, the publisher)

“Violence and blood.”

ESRB rating summary (ESRB Ratings, the U.S. rating authority)

“We aim to make the game accessible but it has a high skill ceiling.”

Respawn Entertainment developer interview (Respawn, the developer)

For a developer that launched with zero marketing, Apex Legends has become a battle royale mainstay. But its success comes with growing pains: a steep difficulty curve that frustrates newcomers and a Canadian lawsuit that questions its design ethics. The pattern is clear—this is a game for dedicated players, not casual drop-ins. For parents, the choice is clear: monitor chat and spending, accept the learning curve, or look for a more accessible alternative. Parents should weigh these factors before letting younger teens play. Check out our guides on Dude Perfect for gaming entertainment and Romeo and Juliet 1996’s parent guide for more age-appropriate content.